Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry found that e-cigarette users have a unique oral microbiome that is less healthy than nonsmokers but potentially healthier than cigarette smokers, and measures worsening gum disease over time. The chemicals within e-cigarettes change the oral microbiome and disrupt the balance of bacteria.
The researchers studied the oral health of 84 adults from 3 groups: cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users, and people who have never smoked. Gum disease was assessed through two dental exams six months apart, during which plaque samples were taken to analyze the bacteria present. The plaque samples revealed that e-cigarette users have a different oral microbiome from smokers and nonsmokers.
The bacterial makeup for e-cigarette users had strikingly more in common with cigarette smokers than nonsmokers. Several bacteria -- including Fusobacterium and Bacteroidales, which are known to be associated with gum disease -- were particularly dominant in the mouths of e-cigarette users.
Vaping was also associated with different levels of cytokines -- proteins that help regulate the immune system. TNFα, a cytokine that causes inflammation, was significantly elevated among e-cigarette users. In contrast, cytokines IL-4 and IL-1β were lower among e-cigarette users; IL-4 tends to be reduced in people with gum disease and increases after treatment, which suggests that certain bacteria in the mouths of e-cigarette users may be actively suppressing immune responses.
The researchers concluded that the distinct oral microbiome of e-cigarette users elicits altered immune responses, which along with clinical markers for gum disease illustrate how vaping presents its own challenge to oral health.
For more information, read the article below!
Comentarios